Naples & Amalfi Coast: Timeless Beauty and Coastal Charm

Wander a medieval castle which is one of the city's most famous monuments.

Built in 1282 by the Angevins rulers and later converted into a royal residence by the Aragon monarchs from Spain, the imposing fortress is an important symbol of Naples. Take a stroll around its towering walls, enjoy excellent views over the bay and visit the Palatine Chapel to see its beautiful frescoes. You can also take a guided tour of the castle, including the uppermost terrace, towers, and the basement, which doubled as the castle's dungeon.

Discover the lavish former home of Naples' Kings and Queens inside this restored historic palace.

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) was built in the 1600's during Spanish rule. The Spanish viceroys had tired of living in the next-door Castel Nuovo, which by then was a drafty, old-fashioned castle. The palace later became the royal residence of the Kingdom of Naples. You can explore its lavishly decorated apartments and impressive throne room while learning all about the city's royal history.  The palace interior is now the Museo dell'Appartamento Storico del Palazzo Reale - a complex of fine halls with period furniture, tapestries, paintings, and porcelain, accessed by a grand staircase. There are good views of Castel Nuovo from the upper floors, and the chapel on the far side of the central courtyard has one of the city's biggest presepi (Christmas crib) filled with 210 18th-century figures. Behind the palace, you'll find the tranquil Giardino Reale gardens and a group of 19th-century sculptures called Horse Trainers by Czar Nicholas I's favorite sculptor. It's also the location of the National Library, founded in 1734 and the most important library in southern Italy

Enjoy amazing views as you stand on the ramparts of this imposing fortress jutting out into the sea.

Standing on the ancient island of Megaris which is joined to the shore by a pier, this medieval fortress was built in the 1200's AD on the remains of an earlier Roman villa. Known as the "egg-castle", it takes its name from the legend that it was built over an egg placed here by the Roman poet Virgil: it is believed that if the egg breaks, Naples will fall. According to another old legend, the lifeless body of the mermaid Parthenope was washed ashore here after she gave herself up to death upon failing to win the heart of Ulysses. Hence the name of the waterfront street facing the castle - Via Partenhope. Other than the Museum of Ethnoprehistory housed within the castle, there's not too much to see in the interiors, but that's okay because the views are the best in town: a 360-degree panorama over the entire bay and back over Naples itself. When you're finished, you can go for drinks at one of the quayside restaurants in the Borgo Marinaro below.

Naples Waterfront

As you walk along the historic Neopolitan waterfront you'll encounter two imposing yet stately medieval castle-fortresses. Built by Naples' former Spanish rulers, they command glorious views out over the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius beyond. There's also the grand Palazzo Reale, a palace erected by the Bourbon kings that faces the monumental square of Piazza del Plebiscito on one side and the famous San Carlo Theater on the other.  You can cut right through the heart of Naples on the Spaccanapoli, a straight, narrow main street that has been that way since it was first built in Roman times is the straight and narrow main street that traverses the old, historic center of the city of Naples, Italy. The name is a popular usage and means, literally, "Naples splitter". TBut of course you'll want to wander of the many side streets amazing churches, and chaotic.

Visit the city's most iconic square and its most popular gathering spot.

Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples' largest and most important piazza. Entering the more than 6 acre large square on the southwest corner, you will be greeted by a grand spectacle. The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) stands on one side of the piazza and a long classically-inspired collonade runs along the other side. You are still only steps from the waterfront, and behind you the sea stretches across the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius looms. The colonnade was first created by Joachim Murat, one of Napoleon's field marshall's who was made King of Naples as a reward for his loyalty and success. After his overthrow though, the Bourbon King Ferdinand I made sure to add a church to the center of the colonnade: the Basilica of St. Francis of Paola. This was partially intended as a thumb in the eye to Murat and to the secular ideals of the French Revolution which had briefly overthrown his kingdom. Despite this, the basilica does at least reinforce Murat's classical theme, as it resembles the Pantheon of Rome. Ironically, the square is now also a rebuke to the Bourbons, as it was renamed the "Piazza del Plebiscito" after the referendum which ratified the end of Bourbon rule.

Wander a medieval castle which is one of the city's most famous monuments.

Built in 1282 by the Angevins rulers and later converted into a royal residence by the Aragon monarchs from Spain, the imposing fortress is an important symbol of Naples. Take a stroll around its towering walls, enjoy excellent views over the bay and visit the Palatine Chapel to see its beautiful frescoes. You can also take a guided tour of the castle, including the uppermost terrace, towers, and the basement, which doubled as the castle's dungeon.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Visit this incredibly well-preserved upper class residence.

The House of the Vetti is one of the richest and most famous sights in Pompeii. It was the property of two wealthy merchants, and it features some beautiful original wall paintings, still in their original positions, the most famous (or notorious) of which is the extraordinary front image of the god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus against a money bag.

See the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre - built in 70 BC!

The amphitheatre was used as a venue for bloody gladiatorial shows with a capacity to hold over 20,000 spectators. It is one of the oldest and most complete pre-Colosseum amphitheatres in the Roman world and was miraculously well preserved following the eruption in 79 AD.

Ruins of Pompeii

Possibly the most fascinating and accessible archaeological site in the world, Pompeii has been slowly revealing its secrets to the world since excavations began in earnest back in the late 18th century. Even today archaeologists are still uncovering unexplored parts of the site and building up a more accurate picture of how Pompeians lived prior to the catastrophic explosion of nearby Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the ruins are fairly easy to reach via the local train network, taking a guided tour from Naples can be a more comfortable experience. Since the site is so incredibly large, it is also helpful to see it with a good guide who will organize your time there, as well as tell you the history and stories behind what you see. On the other hand, traveling independently and using the very cost-effective Artecard for entrance allows you to see the ruins at your own pace.

Visit the Lupanare (brothel) of Pompeii to see the preserved erotic paintings and ancient grafiti.

The only brothel in town is located behind the Stabian Baths and has five small cells, each with its own built-in stone bed and a series of explicitly erotic paintings, possibly acting as a menu from which customers could identify their required services, or perhaps simply as a bit of "inspirational" decoration. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most visited ruins in Pompeii.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Walk around this imposing, star-shaped fortification that dates back to the 14th Century.

This impressive fortification, a 14th-century structure once used for incarcerating political prisoners, today lords it over the streets below as a mostly administrative center for historical heritage in the city. Head straight for the top of the castle to admire the outstanding views from its upper battlements and walk the perimeter of its fortress walls.

Check out this former monastery, which boasts a beautiful cloister and a museum of art.

This 14th-century edifice has the next best views over the bay and is home to the Museo Nazionale di San Martino - a depository of the best of 17th Neapolitan painting. The charm of this location is heightened by the Grand Cloister and the ingeniously constructed terraced gardens, which are well worth the entrance fee alone.

Vomero District

Spend time exploring Naples' more laid back district of Vomero, which is spread out on a hill above the city. You can ride to the top using Naples' excellent funicular rail services, the cost of which is covered by the highly recommended Arte Card. Once up to the top, you'll find yourself in the heart of the hill district, Piazza Vanvitelli, surrounded by four Neo-Renaissance palaces. It's a popular area for young people, who flock to its many bars, renowned ice-cream parlors, and pedestrianized cross streets. A stone's throw from both Piazza Vanvitelli you'll discover the Villa Floridiana, a beautifully sited public garden on a spur overlooking the sea, which is famous for its camellias. A five minute walk from the funicular will bring you to the Castel Sant'Elmo, where you can take in the views from the ramparts. Once done at the castle, you can visit one of the most beautiful cloisters in Italy next door at the Certosa San Martino monastery and see its superb repository of Neapolitan and Italian art.

Walk around this imposing, star-shaped fortification that dates back to the 14th Century.

This impressive fortification, a 14th-century structure once used for incarcerating political prisoners, today lords it over the streets below as a mostly administrative center for historical heritage in the city. Head straight for the top of the castle to admire the outstanding views from its upper battlements and walk the perimeter of its fortress walls.

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below.

Visit the largest town on the Amalfi Coast known for its culture, history and beaches.

What was once an important trading centre is now a stunning seaside town and the second most visited after Positano. Spend time relaxing on the beach and dip your toes in the azure water, visit its historic Cathedral, enjoy a cold lemon spritz in one of its seafront restaurants or simply enjoy strolling around its lanes and take in its views.

Amalfi Coast

The wildly scenic Amalfi Coast that runs from Sorrento to Salerno is infamous for its coastal road which is known as one of the best white-knuckle scenic rides in Europe. Given the hairy driving, impossible parking and traffic, and overcrowded public buses, the Amalfi Coast is best explored by private boat or public ferry, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline and hop from town to town in comfort and without any delays. Unfortunately, the boats do not run all year, so depending on when you travel, your best bet for exploring the area may be with a guided tour by vehicle. The guide's local knowledge can help you avoid some of the traffic and cover the most beautiful spots. Of course a private tour at your own pace, by boat or car, is the ideal option.

Visit one of the most important Cathedrals on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Cathedral called “Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo” can be found on the main Piazza Duomo in Amalfi Town. Built during the ninth century with a Byzantine architecture style, the cathedral is considered a must-visit for anyone who comes to Amalfi. Today the Duomo is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style, with an imposing staircase that leads to a 1,000-year-old bronze door that was given to the town by a wealthy local merchant who had the door made in Constantinople - modern-day Istanbul. Follow a one-way route around its interior which includes relics of Saint Andrew, the Apostle (the patron saint of Amalfi), the crypt and the cloister.

Capri, Guided

Enjoy unforgettable scenarios and pure beauty on this tour of Capri island. Travel by hydrofoil to the island of Capri before boarding a private traditional motor-boat to enjoy the Mediterranean at its best: powerful nature, cliffs overhanging a dark blue sea and white-washed villas. Walk with your guide across beautiful gardens and ancient roads. Take some time at leisure for fancy shopping or for a nice lunch. In Capri, there is satisfaction for every taste!

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder.

Capri, Guided

Enjoy unforgettable scenarios and pure beauty on this tour of Capri island. Travel by hydrofoil to the island of Capri before boarding a private traditional motor-boat to enjoy the Mediterranean at its best: powerful nature, cliffs overhanging a dark blue sea and white-washed villas. Walk with your guide across beautiful gardens and ancient roads. Take some time at leisure for fancy shopping or for a nice lunch. In Capri, there is satisfaction for every taste!

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.